Democrat Endorses Trump Tariffs
Rep. Chris Deluzio, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, is urging his party to reconsider its traditional stance against tariffs, emphasizing that tariffs are not inherently harmful. Deluzio’s remarks come as former President Donald Trump follows through on his promise to implement tariffs, reigniting debate within political circles.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Deluzio called for a shift in the Democratic Party’s approach to tariffs. He argued that Democrats, especially those from manufacturing regions like his district in Western Pennsylvania, need to abandon their blind opposition to tariffs, which he believes have hurt American workers due to unfair trade deals like NAFTA. “The Democratic Party must break free from the grip of neoliberal economists who are stuck in the idea that tariffs are always bad,” Deluzio stated.
Trump’s administration reintroduced tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico earlier this week, with a 25% levy on all goods from both nations. However, the president reversed some of his decisions shortly after, temporarily pausing the tariffs and allowing certain exemptions. While some economists warn that tariffs could lead to higher prices and inflation, Trump has consistently argued that the short-term economic pain is necessary for long-term gain.
In a recent New York Times op-ed, Deluzio acknowledged that Trump’s approach to tariffs has been erratic but maintained that Democrats shouldn’t dismiss tariffs altogether. He warned that completely rejecting tariffs could alienate the working-class voters who were once the backbone of the Democratic Party, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania.
Deluzio pointed out that outsourcing has decimated American manufacturing, particularly in places like his district. He believes tariffs can be a tool to counteract this trend, urging the Democrats to embrace tariffs as a way to revitalize American industry. By imposing tariffs, Deluzio suggested, the U.S. can force countries like China and Vietnam to stop dumping cheap goods into the American market and encourage them to consume more of their own products.
He also advocated for improvements to trade agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), suggesting that the deal could be renegotiated to include higher wages, stronger labor rights, and environmental protections. Deluzio’s push is for Democrats to tap into Trump’s focus on trade and tariffs, using it as a vehicle to bring manufacturing jobs back to America and ensure that the party reconnects with working-class voters.
Deluzio’s shift in thinking on tariffs is a reminder that economic policies should be about working for the American people, not just political ideology. By embracing smart tariffs and reforming trade policies, the U.S. can reassert its dominance in global manufacturing and provide good-paying jobs for Americans. This is a vital issue for the future of the country, and Deluzio believes that Democrats must get on board to secure the future of American workers.
